Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is "AU2600"?
    AU2600 is the Auburn, Alabama chapter of se2600.

  • Okay, well what is se2600 then?
    2600 is a quarterly magazine for alternative computing enthusiasts, published out of NYC. "se2600" stands for "SouthEast 2600"; we are a loose organization of technology enthusiast groups who gather in the spirit of 2600 magazine and share the ideals of other 2600 groups across the country. Regional chapters are identified and referenced by their long-distance calling prefixes (aka NPA), therefore 615 is the Nashville chapter and 404 (along with 770) is the Atlanta area chapter. We meet once a month.

    As you can see, se2600 is more of a "who" than a "what". One important thing to note is that, although we identify with other "2600" groups in ideology and the common name, each group is a separate entity. As such, the groups get together at cons and such, but do not exist as any one organization. Hence, being a "part" of 2600 is kind of a misnomer. Goto to learn more.

  • What goes on at these "monthly meetings"?
    Well, the meeting activities differ depending on which meeting you goto, but from my experience, the norm is basically just hanging out, meeting new people, and talking about various technology issues. Anything from opinions and tips on OS's, to hardware conversations, to rants about the phone company are on the plate for conversation, and the level and area of expertise usually varies greatly from person to person. "Newbies" are welcome to attend meetings, and will almost always learn something. Here is what 2600 Magazine has to say about the theme of the meetings: 
    	2600 Meetings exist as a forum for all interested in technology to meet
	and talk about events in technology-land, learn, and teach. Meetings are
	open to anyone of any age or level of expertise.
    Here are the meeting guidelines as originally suggested by 2600: 
    	1) We meet in a public area. Nobody is excluded. We have nothing to hide
	and we don't presume to judge who is worthy of attending and who is not.
	If law enforcement harasses us, it will backfire as it did at the infamous
	Washington DC meeting in 11/92. (You can find more information on this
	event in the Secret Service section of our web site.)

	2) We act in a responsible manner. We don't do illegal things and we don't
	cause problems for the place we're meeting in. *Most* 2600 meetings are
	welcomed by the establishments we choose.

	3) We meet on the first Friday of the month between 5 pm and 8 pm local
	time. While there will always be people who can't make this particular
	time, the same will hold true for *any* time or day chosen. By having all
	of the meetings on the same day and time, it makes it very easy to
	remember, opens up the possibility for inter-meeting communication, and
	really causes hell for the federal agencies who want to monitor everything
	we do.

	4) While meetings are not limited to big cities, most of them take place
	in large metropolitan areas that are easily accessible.While it's
	convenient to have a meeting in your home town, we encourage people to go
	to meetings where they'll meet people from as wide an area as possible. So
	if there's a meeting within an hour or two of your town, go to that one
	rather than have two smaller meetings fairly close to each other. You
	always have the opportunity to get together with "home town hackers" any
	time you want.
  • Assuming I wanted to goto one of these meetings, how would I find out where to go?
    Well, if you live in Alabama, goto my meeting information page, otherwise, you can consult 2600's known meetings list. As you've already read, everyone is welcome to these meetings. I would, however, advise that you try to contact someone affiliated with the meeting before you go. This will help you with location, and it will also let the guys at the meeting know to look for you. To get contact information, try consulting 2600's homepages of known meetings list.

  • So is this a 'hacker' thing?
    Well, many people would call it that, and that isn't completely accurate. 2600 meetings are much more than that. They are about all kinds of technology, including phone systems and other communications devices. Regardless of the conversation you happen to walk into at the meeting though, 2600 is first and foremost about freedom of information and the encouragement of those who want to learn. We strongly believe that information is a valuable commodity, and that everyone who is interested is entitled to ask whatever questions they please. Those who want to figure things out should be honored, not jailed or called 'troublemakers'. Read the Hacker's Manifesto by The Mentor for a look at our view of things.

    Back to the main au2600 site.